What Are the Treatments for Facial Eczema?

Facial eczema, known as atopic dermatitis, involves skin conditions that result in your skin becoming irritated, itchy and/or swollen, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Treatments for facial eczema have the purpose of relieving itching, preventing future flare-ups and reducing inflammation. Some treatments are prescription-based while others involve self-care measures. Check with your dermatologist before starting any treatment program.

Cold Compresses

Topical treatments may help your eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. An effective non-medical topical known as a cold compress can relieve your itching and skin inflammation. Dip a cloth into cold water, wring out the excess water and apply the cold cloth directly to your skin. Let the cloth stay in place until your itching subsides.

Emollients and Moisturizers

Emollients and moisturizers may can decrease your skin's scaling and dryness. Moisturizers help prevent water loss from your skin by trapping moisture in your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Emollients keep your skin soft. Using a moisturizer daily may help reduce skin irritation caused by your eczema. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to trap in as much moisture as possible. When atopic dermatitis develops, your outer layer of skin breaks down. Moisturizers can repair this layer. Moisturizers increase your skin's protective abilities by covering your skin with a protective layer. Choose from a variety of moisturizer forms. Ointments provide the strongest treatment, and other moisturizer forms include creams and lotions.

Gentle Cleansing and Handling

Gentle skin handling is essential when treating facial eczema because your outer skin layer is damaged and fragile. Apply a mild cleanser to your fingertips and gently apply to your face, avoiding areas that have flared up. Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water. Dry your skin by blotting your skin with a nonabrasive towel. Avoid cleansers that rub, scratch, peel or exfoliate your skin. These actions harm your skin and can worsen your eczema. Don't use soap as soap can worsen your eczema symptoms by drying out your skin.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Trigger foods may worsen your eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Keeping a food diary of what you eat can help in this area. If you experience a flare-up after eating a certain food, remove the food from your diet. If your eczema subsides, the food may be a trigger food. Notable food triggers include eggs, soy, milk, wheat and nuts. Check with your health-care provider before making significant dietary changes.

Medications

Numerous medications exist to treat eczema. Medications may include antibiotics that treat your skin infection or kill your skin's harmful bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com. Oral antihistamines may be prescribed stop the itching that eczema brings. Other useful medically-prescribed treatments include corticosteroids in the form of creams, injections or ointments.